A Saint's Passing

This photo was taken several years ago. The handsome fella in the fur tuxedo is Luciano, love o' my life, and the lady scoping him is Dr. Diane Wilhalf, DVM. She passed away on Friday. She was an excellent veterinarian, a remarkable woman, and as giving and caring a soul as I've ever met.
She ran a clinic called Just Cats, in which she performed her daily miracles. People often left unwanted cats and kittens on her doorstep and she saw to it that they all found homes. She went to extraordinary lengths to save her patients and see to it that they led the fullest life possible. Thanks to her kindness, I had two extra years of borrowed time with my Luciano, during which I learned more about life, love, kindness, frendship, and responsibility than I could possibly have anticipated or can ever express here.
Dr. Wilhalf, I thank you. God speed you to heaven. There is a party waiting to welcome you to Rainbow Bridge.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are
restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...